Decreasing Substation Failures with Ultrasound Technology

Adrian Messer, Manager of US Operations

UE Systems, Inc.
Ph: 864-224-4517
Cell: 914-282-3504
Web: www.uesystems.com
Email: adrianm@uesystems.com

Abstract
Strategies for maintaining substation performance by spotting potential signs of trouble
in advance is something many maintenance personnel contemplate.
The
implementation of predictive technologies such as infrared thermography and
airborne/structure borne ultrasound go a long way in improving asset availability and
reducing the surprise element of flashover incidents.
This presentation will focus on airborne/structure borne ultrasound as an effective tool
for locating arcing, tracking, corona, and partial discharge events in substation
equipment. Instruments based on this technology provide the ability to sense high
frequency emissions produced by these potentially hazardous events and enable users
to quickly find the source of the emission. Some ultrasound instruments have the ability
to record sound events to be used for spectral analysis, which is becoming an important
component of condition analysis and diagnosis of electrical emissions. After a brief
overview of ultrasound technology, methods and principles of inspection and diagnosis
will be discussed followed by examples and case histories.

Discussion
Ultrasound Technology
Airborne & structure-borne instruments give the inspector the ability to sense high
frequency sounds that are not in the audible range, or the range of normal human
hearing. Similar to the way that infrared cameras extend the sense of the inspectors
vision, ultrasound instruments extend the sense of the inspectors hearing and allow the
inspector to hear sounds that are not in the audible range. Ultrasound instruments
translate high frequency sound into an audible sound that is heard through the headset
by the inspector. The translated sound is then measured as a decibel level which is
indicated on the display of the instrument.

For further analysis, some instruments have on-board sound recording. Ultrasounds
can then be recorded, and played back in a spectral analysis software to diagnose and
confirm sounds heard by the inspector. Newer model instruments, such as the
Ultraprobe 15000, actually have on-board spectral analysis. This allows for on-the-spot
analysis and comparison of electrical emissions in the field. The analysis of recorded
ultrasounds is the best, and preferred, method of diagnosing electrical emissions. This
method reduces the subjectivity of only using what is heard through the headset to
determine the severity of electrical ultrasound emissions.

Electrical Ultrasound Emissions

With regard to electrical applications, ultrasound can be used to listen for and detect
corona, tracking, arcing, and partial discharge in electrical components. These
emissions are created from the turbulence produced by the ionization of air. The
components to be inspected can range from low, mid, and high voltage systems.
Typical ultrasound inspections in a substation would include the transmission lines,
insulators, circuit breakers, transformers, and disconnect switches, just to name a few.
Corona discharge occurs from the ionization of air surrounding an electrical connection.
This event will only occur in voltages exceeding 1000 volts. Ionization produces no
heat; therefore, it is not detected with a standard infrared camera. Corona, when not
corrected, will only lead to a further breakdown of the insulating material and
connections. This is primarily due to the byproduct of the ionization process, nitric acid.
Another threat caused by corona discharge is ozone. Damage to insulating materials,
O-Rings, seals, and internal breakdown of transformers can occur as a result of ozone
created by corona. It is heard as a steady, uniform, static-like buzzing sound.

Corona, over time, deteriorated the connection and eventually led to tracking

Tracking occurs when there is a low current pathway

to ground across an insulator. Many will refer to
tracking as baby-arcing. This event is common
where there is severe breakdown of the insulating
material and loose connections. Tracking can occur
in low, mid, and high voltages and characterized as
a steady buzzing sound with periodic crackling and
popping sounds. Further damage is done when
tracking is not corrected, and will rather quickly lead
to arcing.
Tracking between two connections led
to arcing

Arcing happens when there is a discharge to ground across an insulator. Arcing causes
severe damage to equipment, plant/facility operations, and people. Melting of
connectors, damage or loss of insulation, and fires usually result from electrical arcs.
Arcing can easily be heard and detected with ultrasound. The sound characteristic for
arcing is rather erratic bursts of discharges and popping sounds. These are identifiable
when looking at a recorded ultrasound of arcing in the Time Wave Form.

Arcing as seen in the Time Wave Form. Notice the lack of uniform harmonics
and the sudden starts and stops of the discharge

Inspection of substations with ultrasound can easily be performed by trained inspectors.

Airborne ultrasound emissions do not travel very far from the source, so they are easily
pinpointed by the ultrasound instrument. A Long Range Module or Parabolic Dish can
be used to listen to components that are in excess of 90 to 120 away. An ideal method
of inspection would be to use ultrasound first to listen for any electrical ultrasound
emissions, and then to use an infrared camera to look for hot spots and resistance.
Either way, ultrasound is a perfect complement to infrared inspections of electrical
components.
In the example below, ultrasound inspection was performed on a substation. The
picture shows where two sounds were heard on the insulators. Both corona and
tracking were detected with ultrasound. The corona was corrected by cleaning both the
insulator and the surrounding connections. To correct the tracking, the insulator had to
be replaced due to cracking.

Tracking
detected here

Corona heard at
this insulator

The images below are from the recorded ultrasounds from this transformer.

Corona

Tracking

Conclusion
In conclusion, ultrasound is a versatile and easy-to-use technology that can enhance
the electrical inspections of anyone in the power distribution, generation, or electrical
inspection industry. Enhancements to ultrasound instrumentation and software allow for
easier diagnosis of electrical ultrasound emissions. With the use of ultrasound and
infrared together, the inspector has the greatest chance of finding almost any electrical
fault or condition, and allows for detections to be made much sooner, before
catastrophic failure is imminent.